Mean Calcium Concentration Research Articles

Feasibility of increasing calcium content of drinking tap water following quality regulations to improve calcium intake at population level.

Calcium intake is below recommendations in several parts of the world. Improving calcium intake has benefits not only for bone health but also helps to prevent pregnancy hypertension disorders. Calcium concentration of tap water is usually low The aim of the present study was to determine the maximum amount of calcium that can be added to tap water while complying with drinking water Argentine regulations. Tap water samples were collected from the Province of Buenos Aires (Argentina). Physicochemical properties and saturation index were measured. Different incremental concentrations of calcium chloride were added to the experimental aliquots. Baseline water had a mean calcium concentration of 22.00 ± 2.54 mg/L, water hardness of 89.9 ± 6.4 mg/L CaCO 3, and a saturation index of -1.50 ± 0.11. After the addition of 0.4554 ± 0.0071 g of salt, water hard-ness reached 355.0 ± 7.1 mg/L CaCO 3, a calcium concentration of 140.50 ± 2.12 mg/L, and a saturation index -0.53 ± 0.02. This study shows that at laboratory level it is feasible to increase calcium concentration of drinking water by adding calcium chloride while complying with national standards. Calcium concentration of drinking tap water could be evaluated and minimum calcium concentration of tap water regulated so as to improve calcium intake in populations with low calcium intake.

A comparative study across mule, equine and equine clone pregnancies regarding the determination of the day of birth

Monitoring equine parturition effectively is essential for preemptive intervention in periparturient issues and ensuring the overall well-being of both mares and foals. However, its implementation in breeding farms is challenging due to variable gestational lengths and nocturnal births. Predictive techniques have the potential to streamline the monitoring process, reduce labor intensity, and minimize costs. Research on foaling prediction in mares carrying mule or equine clone fetuses is scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to comparatively analyze foaling prediction parameters in mares pregnant with mule, equine, or equine clone fetus. The study included vulvar relaxation, sacroiliac ligament tension, pH, BRIX index, and concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, and potassium in prepartum mammary secretions. Sixty pregnant mares were used for this study and grouped as follows: 25 mares with mule fetuses (MF), 20 with equine clone fetuses (CF), and 15 with equine control fetuses (EF). Results showed significant differences in vulvar relaxation and sacroiliac ligament tension only in MF group (p < 0.05) on the day of parturition compared to the other days evaluated, different from the other groups. Levels of pH notably decreased on parturition day (mean 5.7 ± 0.04, p < 0.0001), with lower values in MF (6.05 ± 0.02) and CF (6.08 ± 0.04) compared to EF (6.26 ± 0.04) (p < 0.03). The BRIX index showed variation across mares and was not a good parameter for foaling prediction. Electrolytes correlated positively with impending parturition, showing no significant differences among groups. The MF and CF groups exhibited a substantial increase (102.13 % and 110.66 %, respectively) in mean calcium concentrations on the day before foaling, unlike EF (38.29 %). In conclusion, the pH values were different in mammary secretions between mares carrying mule and clone fetuses, in contrast to equine control fetuses. Nevertheless, there was a trend of decreasing pH values closer to parturition in all groups. Conversely, the BRIX index serves as a valuable indicator of colostrum quality yet does not offer insights into the proximity of parturition. While electrolyte concentrations did not reveal significant differences among groups, it is worth noting that the evaluation of phosphorus emerges as a new parameter to explore in mares nearing parturition, since it obtained a pattern similar to calcium.

High plasma magnesium and phosphorus levels and their correlation with struvite urolithiasis in buffaloes

BackgroundUrolithiasis is a common urinary tract disease in buffaloes, almost exclusively affects young males, and has significant economic and production impacts. We have investigated hemato-biochemical and urinary changes in an attempt to deduce their correlation with struvite urolithiasis in buffaloes. MethodsTen male buffalo calves with obstructive urolithiasis were used. Blood samples were used for hematology and elemental analysis. Urine samples were used for physico-chemical examination, microscopy, and elemental analysis. Uroliths were subjected to chemical functional group determination using the FTIR spectroscopy. ResultsThe mean neutrophil, leukocyte, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in urolithic buffaloes than in healthy controls. The mean blood calcium and magnesium concentrations were significantly (p < 0.05) lower and higher in urolithic buffaloes than in healthy controls, respectively. Mean blood phosphorus concentration and calcium-phosphorus ratio were found to be non-significantly (p > 0.05) higher and lower in urolithic buffaloes than in healthy controls, respectively. The urine pH was highly alkaline. Multiple prismatic lid-shaped crystals, along with erythrocytes, leukocytes, and epithelial cells, were found in urine. The mean urinary magnesium and phosphorus concentrations were non-significantly (p < 0.05) higher in urolithic buffaloes than in healthy controls. A positive correlation of magnesium (r = 0.864, p = 0.001) and phosphorus (r = 0.849, p = 0.002) concentrations between the blood and urine was observed in urolithic buffaloes. The FTIR spectra of uroliths were similar to those of magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate, MgNH4PO4·6H2O or struvite. ConclusionThe findings suggest that high plasma magnesium and phosphorus concentrations have a positive correlation with struvite urolithiasis in buffaloes.

Pronounced cortical porosity and sex-specific patterns of increased bone and osteocyte lacunar mineralization characterize the human distal fibula with aging

The high occurrence of distal fibula fractures among older women suggests a potential link to impaired bone health. Here we used a multiscale imaging approach to investigate the microarchitecture, mineralization, and biomechanics of the human distal fibula in relation to age and sex. Micro-computed tomography was performed to analyze the local volumetric bone mineral density and various microarchitectural parameters of the trabecular and the cortical compartment. Bone mineral density distribution and osteocyte lacunar parameters were quantified using quantitative backscattered electron imaging in periosteal, endocortical, and trabecular regions. Additionally, cortical hardness and Young's modulus were assessed by nanoindentation. While cortical porosity strongly increased with age independent of sex, trabecular microarchitecture remained stable. Notably, nearly half of the specimens showed non-bony hypermineralized tissue located at the periosteum, similar to that previously detected in the femoral neck, with no consistent association with advanced age. Independent of this finding, cortical and trabecular mineralization, i.e., mean calcium content, as well as endocortical tissue hardness increased with age in males but not females. Importantly, we also observed mineralized osteocyte lacunae that increased with age specifically in females. In conclusion, our results indicate that skeletal aging of the distal fibula is signified not only by pronounced cortical porosity but also by an increase in mineralized osteocyte lacunae in females. These findings may provide an explanation for the increased occurrence of ankle fractures in older women.

Feasibility of increasing calcium content of drinking tap water following quality regulations to improve calcium intake at population level

Background Calcium intake is below recommendations in several parts of the world. Improving calcium intake has benefits not only for bone health but also helps to prevent pregnancy hypertension disorders. Calcium concentration of tap water is usually low The aim of the present study was to determine the maximum amount of calcium that can be added to tap water while complying with drinking water local regulations. Methods Tap water samples were collected from the Province of Buenos Aires (Argentina). Physicochemical properties and saturation index were measured. Different incremental concentrations of calcium chloride were added to the experimental aliquots. Results Baseline water had a mean calcium concentration of 22.00 ± 2.54 mg/L, water hardness of 89.9 ± 6.4 mg/L CaCO3, and a saturation index of -1.50 ± 0.11. After the addition of 0.4554 ± 0.0071 g of salt, water hard-ness reached 355.0 ± 7.1 mg/L CaCO3, a calcium concentration of 140.50 ± 2.12 mg/L, and a saturation index -0.53 ± 0.02. Conclusions This study shows that at laboratory level it is feasible to increase calcium concentration of drinking water by adding calcium chloride while complying with national standards. Calcium concentration of drinking tap water could be evaluated and minimum calcium concentration of tap water regulated so as to improve calcium intake in populations with low calcium intake.

Relationships between protein and other chemical composition and texture of tofu made from soybeans grown in different locations.

Understanding quantitative relationships between protein and other chemical components in diverse soybean genotypes (lines) grown in different locations and the firmness of tofu can provide scientific insight for selecting soybean suitable for tofu making. Locations showed significant effects on seed components, including total protein, major storage proteins, subunits and polypeptides of the major storage proteins, and calcium, but not magnesium or phytic acid. Results showed that 11S content, but not 11S/7S ratio, was only correlated with filled tofu firmness when analyzed over all locations. A strong and positive correlation between firmness and A3 polypeptide of the 11S protein content was found for both pressed tofu (r=0.80, p<0.001) and filled tofu (r=0.76, p<0.001) over three locations (overall pooled data) and within most individual locations. The correlation of filled tofu firmness and A3 polypeptide was significant for each of the three individual locations. However, the correlation of pressed tofu firmness and A3 polypeptide content was significant at two of three locations. Mean calcium content was positively correlated with mean pressed and filled tofu firmness over all locations, but calcium was not correlated with pressed tofu firmness at any individual location, and only one location showed a significant correlation of calcium and filled tofu firmness. In addition, pressed tofu firmness was found to be negatively correlated with tofu yield. The findings that A3 polypeptide's strong relationship with tofu firmness within certain locations may be used by the food industry to select proper soybean for manufacturing tofu and to facilitate tofu soybean breeding for tofu making.

Hemoglobin Protects Enamel against Intrinsic Enamel Erosive Demineralization

Introduction: This study investigated the changes in the acquired enamel pellicle (AEP) proteome when this integument is formed in vivo after treatment with sugarcane-derived cystatin (CaneCPI-5), hemoglobin (HB), and a statherin-derived peptide (StN15), or their combination and then exposed to an intrinsic acid challenge. The effectiveness of these treatments in preventing intrinsic erosion was also evaluated. Methods: Ten volunteers, after prophylaxis, in 5 crossover phases, rinsed with the following solutions (10 mL, 1 min): control (deionized water-H₂O) – group 1, 0.1 mg/mL CaneCPI-5 – group 2, 1.0 mg/mL HB – group 3, 1.88 × 10⁻⁵<sc>M</sc> StN15 – group 4, or a blend of these – group 5. Following this, AEP formation occurred (2 h) and an enamel biopsy (10 µL, 0.01 <sc>m</sc> HCl, pH 2.0, 10 s) was conducted on one incisor. The biopsy acid was then analyzed for calcium (Arsenazo method). The vestibular surfaces of the other teeth were treated with the same acid. Acid-resistant proteins in the residual AEP were then collected and analyzed quantitatively via proteomics. Results: Compared to control, treatment with the proteins/peptide, mixed or isolated, markedly enhanced acid-resistant proteins in the AEP. Notable increases occurred in pyruvate kinase PKM (11-fold, CaneCPI-5), immunoglobulins and submaxillary gland androgen-regulated protein 3B (4-fold, StN15), Hb, and lysozyme C (2-fold, StN15). Additionally, a range of proteins not commonly identified in the AEP but known to bind calcium or other proteins were identified in groups treated with the tested proteins/peptide either in isolation or as a mixture. The mean (SD, m<sc>M</sc>) calcium concentrations released from enamel were 3.67 ± 1.48a, 3.11 ± 0.72a, 1.94 ± 0.57b, 2.37 ± 0.90a, and 2.38 ± 0.45a for groups 1–5, respectively (RM-ANOVA/Tukey, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that all treatments, whether using a combination of proteins/peptides or in isolation, enhanced acid-resistant proteins in the AEP. However, only HB showed effectiveness in protecting against intrinsic erosive demineralization. These results pave the way for innovative preventive methods against intrinsic erosion, using “acquired pellicle engineering” techniques.

Hydrochemical properties of groundwater and land use and land cover changes impact on agricultural productivity: An empirical observation and integrated framework approaches

Land use and land cover (LULC) dynamics of the Bankura district effect groundwater resources and agricultural productivity, particularly the expansion of urban land, discharge of fertiliser mixed water from agriculture and reduction of scrubland. This study investigates the Spatio-temporal relation between groundwater qualities (GWQ), LULC and agricultural productivity of the Bankura district in 2009 and 2020. The twelve standard water qualities parameters; “pH, electrical conductivity (EC), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), iron (Fe3+), bicarbonate (HCO3¯), chloride (Cl−), sulfate (SO42−), nitrate (NO3−), and fluoride (F−)” were considered for the study. Landsat-5, 7 and 8 images were classified for 2009 and 2020 to detect LULC dynamics related to GWQ. The results showed that GWQ was depleted in 2020 compared to 2009, with agricultural land suffering from lower GWQ than other land uses. Some of the water quality indices (Mean value of pH, EC, Ca2+, Mg2+, and NO3−) drastically declined in 2020 compared to 2009. The degree of contamination (CD) analysis showed the above value of zero (>CD) is highly vulnerable for dug well users. The mean nitrate (7.281 to 51.387 mg/l), calcium (38.366 to 58.082 mg/l), chloride (121.861 to 125.981 mg/l), and potassium (15.261 to 18.363 mg/l) concentration levels drastically increase over the agricultural land. To know the relationship between LULC and agriculture productivity, block-wise production and yield analysis of both years have been presented. It was seen that there are low crop and high productivity observed from the 2009 to 2015 block of Bankura. The overall result indicates that human activities are the primary cause of spatial-temporal changes in GWQ and agricultural productivity. The geospatial-based water quality assessment benefited in understanding changes in GWQ and developing appropriate site-specific agricultural and health policies.

The Contents of Some Essential Major and Trace Elements in Various Types of Processed Milk Products Collected from Benghazi Markets

Milk is an important food; it supplies our body with the essential mineral’s requirements. In this study, some major (Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus) and minor (copper, iron, zinc) essential minerals were determined in seventy-eight random processed milk samples. These samples were collected from different markets in Benghazi city, Libya during 2017. The order of major essential elements concentrations in all milk samples was calcium&gt; phosphorous&gt; magnesium. The mean concentrations of calcium were recorded at 4262 ±2771mg/kg, 5006 ±896mg/kg, 1276 ±319mg/kg and 1231 ±154mg/kg, while mean concentrations of magnesium were 560.1 ±82mg/kg, 419.4 ±153mg/kg, 249 ±7.1mg/kg, 127.7 ±21mg/kg, in powdered, infant formula, evaporated and sterilized milk samples, respectively. Phosphorus concentration varied between 3322-7692mg/kg, 2622-5490mg/kg, 1381-4720mg/kg and 1049-2326mg/kg in powdered, infant formula, evaporated and sterilized milk, respectively. The contents of trace essential minerals, included copper, iron and zinc, were detected in all collected samples. The highest copper content was recorded in powder milk, with a mean concentration 2.13 ±0.84mg/kg, followed by infant formula products, with mean concentration 1.15±0.95mg/kg. The mean concentrations of zinc and iron in milk powder products were detected at 33.48 ±17.4mg/kg and 27.60mg/kg, respectively. The concentration of minor element in evaporated and sterilized milk samples were in concentration lower than 1mg/kg, except zinc in evaporated milk, which varied between 2.80-5.77mg/kg. The contents of essential minerals were agreed with some values that recorded in published results, for same products of processed milk.

Systematic Review of the Treatment of Persistent Hyperparathyroidism Following Kidney Transplantation.

Chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder is one of the complications associated with chronic kidney disease. About 10-50% of patients following kidney transplantation have persistent hyperparathyroidism. Hypercalcaemic hyperparathyroidism has a negative impact on the kidney transplant outcome; therefore, it requires treatment. The data regarding the treatment of persistent hyperparathyroidism provided in scientific publications are divergent and contradictory. Therefore, the aim of our systematic review was to evaluate the efficacy of persistent hyperparathyroidism treatment in patients following kidney transplantation. The Cochrane, PubMed, and Scopus databases were browsed independently by two authors. The search strategy included controlled vocabulary and keywords. The effectiveness of calcitriol, paricalcitol, cinacalcet, and parathyroidectomy was compared and analysed. The mean calcium and parathormone (PTH) concentrations per patient in the group of paricalcitol increased by 1.27% and decreased by 35.14% (n = 248); in the group of cinacalcet decreased by 12.09% and 32.16% (n = 368); and in the group of parathyroidectomy decreased by 19.06% and 86.49% (n = 15) at the end of the study compared to the baseline (n = 244, n = 342 and n = 15), respectively. Paricalcitol, cinacalcet, and parathyroidectomy decreased the intact PTH level. Cinacalcet and parathyroidectomy lowered calcium levels in renal transplant patients with hypercalcaemia. Conversely, paricalcitol increased the serum calcium concentration. Cinacalcet seems to be a good candidate in the treatment of post-transplant hyperparathyroidism.

Trace element levels in serum and gastric mucosa in patients with Helicobacter pylori positive and negative gastritis

BackgroundMost trace elements are inhibited by Helicobacter pylori-infection, and variations in specific element levels are linked to the development of stomach cancer. This is the first study to show the relationship between serum and tissue concentrations of twenty-five trace elements and H. pylori infection status. This study purposed to define serum and tissue trace element levels of 25 healthy individuals with Helicobacter pylori-positive gastritis and Helicobacter pylori-negative gastritis and to reveal their relationship with the disease. MethodsStudy groups consisted of sixty-two patients with Helicobacter pylori-positive, thirty-seven patients with Helicobacter pylori-negative, and thirty healthy individuals. Serum and tissue concentrations of twenty-five elements (aluminum, boron, arsenic, barium, calcium, beryllium, copper, cadmium, iron, chromium, mercury, lithium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, manganese, nickel, phosphorus, lead, scandium, strontium, selenium, tellurium, titanium, zinc) were defined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. ResultsExcept for copper, lithium, and strontium elements in serum samples, other trace elements differed significantly between the groups (p < 0.05). The serum chromium (p = 0.002), mercury (p = 0.001), boron (p < 0.001), and cadmium (p < 0.001) levels of H. pylori-negative gastritis and H. pylori-positive gastritis participants were significantly different, and their serum concentrations were less than 0.5 µ/l. Boron, barium, beryllium, chromium, lithium, phosphorus and strontium elements in tissue samples did not differ significantly between the groups (p > 0.05). Manganese, nickel, tellurium and titanium elements were not detected in tissue and serum samples. The mean concentrations of calcium, beryllium, chromium, iron, potassium, lithium, magnesium, scandium, and selenium were higher in the tissues of patients with H. pylori gastritis compared to healthy control tissues. Also, cadmium could not be detected in tissue samples. There was a significant difference between H. pylori-infected tissue and serum chromium levels (p = 0.001), with lower levels detected in tissue samples. ConclusionThis is the first study that we are knowledgeable of that reports the concentrations of twenty five elements in both serum and tissue samples, as well as the relationship between trace elements and Helicobacter pylori-infection status. Dietary adjustment is indicated as an adjunct to medical therapy to stabilize trace elements because Helicobacter pylori bacteria cause inflammation and impair element absorption in gastritis patients. We also think that this study will shed light on studies on the relationship between Helicobacter pylori-trace elements and serum-tissue/healthy serum-tissue trace element levels of patients with Helicobacter pylori gastritis.

Maternal diet during breastfeeding in correlation to calcium and phosphorus concentrations in human milk.

The impact of maternal diet on mineral concentration in human milk (HM) remains unclear. The main aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between maternal dietary intake and calcium and phosphorus concentrations in HM. Furthermore, we aimed to evaluate the intake of both minerals by exclusively breastfed infants. HM samples were obtained from 30 mothers at 6-8 weeks postpartum. Each mother was asked to express pre- and postfeeding milk four times during a 24-h period (6.00-12.00, 12.00-18.00, 18.00-24.00, 24.00-6.00). Maternal dietary assessment was based on a food frequency questionnaire and 3-day dietary records. Analysed minerals were determined using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (NexION 300D ICP mass spectrometer, Perkin Elmer SCIEX). The mean concentrations of calcium and phosphorus in HM samples were 278.7 ± 61.0 and 137.1 ± 21.9 mg/L, respectively, maintaining 2:1 ratio by weight. The concentration of both minerals was correlated with each other (r = 0.632, p = <0.001). The infants' mean calcium intake was 149.53 ± 36.41 mg/L, and their mean phosphorus intake was 74.62 ± 19.41 mg/L. The risk of insufficient intake of calcium was reported in 60% of infants (n = 18). Spearman's/Pearson's correlation coefficients did not reveal any correlations between HM calcium concentration and maternal diet, contrary to HM phosphorus concentration, which was positively correlated with energy (r = 0.369, p = 0.045), total protein (r = 0.464, p = 0.01), calcium (r = 385, p = 0.036), phosphorus (r = 501, p = 0.005), niacin (p < 0.001) and pyridoxine (r = 382, 0.037) intake. However, in multivariable analysis we observed that maternal dietary intake of both minerals had a positive influence on their concentration in HM. Maternal calcium and phosphorus intake influenced the concentration of both minerals in HM; however, the relationship was rather weak. In addition, we observed that calcium intake by most of the exclusively breastfed infants was insufficient to meet the recommended daily intake.

Assessment of the relative efficacy of fluoridated toothpaste with and without eggshell-derived calcium oxide in the prevention of primary tooth enamel demineralization

Background: During the cariogenic challenges, the anticaries action of fluoride is limited by the bioavailability of calcium and phosphate in saliva. This mandates the use of additional extrinsic sources of calcium and phosphate to enhance the anticaries potential of fluoride. Aim: This study aimed to assess and compare the efficacy of fluoridated toothpaste with and without eggshell-derived calcium oxide in the prevention of primary tooth enamel demineralization. Materials and Methods: Sixty samples were obtained from 15 extracted primary second molars and allocated to one of four groups: Group A for baseline Vickers hardness testing, Group B was subjected to demineralization only, Group C was treated with fluoridated toothpaste solution, and Group D was treated with fluoridated toothpaste and chicken eggshell powder solution. Surface microhardness and the amount of calcium that was leached into the demineralizing solutions of groups B, C, and D were statistically assessed after 7 days of pH cycling. Results: The mean Vickers hardness values of groups A, B, C, and D were 402.68, 366.28, 392.79, and 395.27, respectively. The mean calcium concentration released into demineralizing solution of groups B, C, and D were 35.52, 29.12, and 27.12, respectively. No statistically significant difference was found between the fluoridated toothpaste with and without eggshell powder. Conclusion: Both fluoridated toothpaste with and without eggshell-derived calcium oxide were equally effective in the prevention of primary tooth enamel demineralization.

Hypoparathyroidism Risk After Total Endoscopic Thyroidectomy for Papillary Thyroid Cancer: A Comparison of the Transoral Vestibular and Breast Approaches.

BackgroundThis study aimed to compare the risk of hypoparathyroidism between the transoral vestibular approach (TOVA) and the breast approach (BA) in patients undergoing total endoscopic thyroidectomy (TET) for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).MethodsThe medical records of 121 PTC patients (all women) who underwent total TET from January 2015 to January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were grouped according to surgical approach (BA or TOVA). Clinical status and concentrations of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcium were monitored in the perioperative period and 1, 6, and 12 months after surgery.ResultsThe BA and TOVA groups comprised 101 and 20 patients, respectively. Clinicopathologic and characteristics and surgical data were comparable between the groups. Incidence of transient hypoparathyroidism was significantly lower in the TOVA group than the BA group (10% vs 63.4%; p <0.01). Incidence of permanent hypoparathyroidism was comparable (5% vs 6.9%). Two days after TET, mean PTH concentration was significantly higher and incidence of abnormal PTH was significantly lower in the TOVA group. The incidence of abnormal calcium concentration 2 days after surgery was significantly lower in the TOVA group. One month after surgery, the mean calcium concentration was significantly higher in the TOVA group. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis suggested that patients who underwent TOVA had a lower risk of transient hypoparathyroidism (hazard ratio 0.05, 95% confidence interval, 0.01–0.23; p<0.01). No clinicopathological factors examined were significantly associated with permanent hypoparathyroidism.ConclusionIn patients undergoing TET for PTC, the incidence of transient hypoparathyroidism may be lower with the TOVA than the BA. Surgeons should be aware of the relatively high risk of transient hypoparathyroidism when performing the BA.

Impact of parathyroidectomy among nondiabetic hemodialysis patients with severe hyperparathyroidism

Background Parathyroidectomy (PTX) is a treatment for hyperparathyroidism (HPT) and has uncertain risks and benefits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of PTX versus nonoperative treatment among nondiabetic hemodialysis patients. Methods A retrospective matched cohort study was performed. Each PTX patient was matched with one patient who had severe HPT but rejected PTX. The patients were matched by sex, birth date, date of first dialysis, nondiabetic status, and left ventricular ejection fraction. The serum markers, survival, main adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event (MACCE) rates, and hospitalization were compared between the PTX patients and matched non-PTX patients. Results There were 1143 patients at our center in the Chinese National Renal Data System (CNRDS) between 2010 and 2020. Of these, 75 PTX patients were matched with 75 non-PTX patients. Rapid decreases in the mean intact parathyroid hormone, calcium and phosphorus concentrations, and a gradual increase in hemoglobin concentration were observed in the PTX group. The mortality was 2.9 per 100 patient-years in the PTX group and 10.9 per 100 patient-years in the non-PTX group (p < 0.001). Compared with non-PTX patients, PTX patients had an adjusted HR for death of 0.236 (95% CI 0.108–0.518). The cumulative MACCE rates were 6.7 per 100 patient-years in the PTX group and 15.2 per 100 patient-years in the non-PTX group (p < 0.001). The adjusted HR of the occurrence of first MACCE for PTX patients compared with non-PTX patients was 0.524 (95% CI 0.279-0.982). The cumulative hospitalization rates were 50.3 per 100 patient-years in the PTX group and 66.5 per 100 patient-years in the matched non-PTX group (p < 0.001). Conclusions Compared with non-PTX patients, PTX was associated with an improvement in the biochemical measures and patient-level outcomes in nondiabetic hemodialysis patients with severe HPT.

Association of Cord Blood Glucose, Sodium, Potassium, and Calcium Levels With Neonatal Birth Asphyxia: A Hospital-Based Study.

ContextNeonatal birth/perinatal asphyxia is a serious condition with the potential to cause damage to various tissues of the body especially the brain. Hypoxia can cause metabolic disturbances, which in turn can lead to imbalances in the levels of glucose, electrolytes, and calcium, which can further worsen the condition. Early detection of these biochemical derangements and immediate correction can prevent the complications and lifelong disabilities of birth asphyxia due to injury to vital organs particularly the brain. The aim is to assess any correlation between the cord blood glucose, electrolytes, and calcium levels and the severity of birth asphyxia.Methods and materialIn this study, 50 birth asphyxia neonates with birth weight >2.5 kg, and a 5-minute Apgar score ≤ 6 at birth with clinical evidence of asphyxia were compared with healthy neonates with birth weight > 2.5 kg, and a 5-minute Apgar score > 7. In all the cases and controls, cord blood glucose was estimated by glucose oxidase and peroxidase (GOD-POD) method, total calcium by Arsenazo method, and sodium and potassium were estimated by ion-selective Electrode (ISE) method using fully automated biochemistry analyzers.ResultsThe mean cord blood concentrations of glucose, sodium, potassium, and calcium were significantly lower among birth asphyxia neonates in comparison with that of controls (p < 0.05). The correlation coefficient (r) for the study variables among cases indicates that there is a low to moderate positive correlation between the 5-minute Apgar score which is a measure of severity of birth asphyxia and cord blood concentrations of glucose, sodium, and calcium.ConclusionIn our study, birth asphyxiated neonates were found to have statistically significant low levels of cord blood glucose and electrolytes like sodium and calcium except for potassium. There was a low to moderate positive correlation between cord blood glucose and electrolyte concentrations with the severity of birth asphyxia. Analysis of cord blood for these simple biochemical tests can help pediatricians in the active management of birth asphyxia cases.

Prevention of Hypomineralization In Auditory Ossicles of Vitamin D Receptor (Vdr) Deficient Mice.

Intact mineralization of the auditory ossicles - the smallest bones in the body - is essential for sound transmission in the middle ear, while ossicular hypomineralization is associated with conductive hearing loss. Here, we performed a high-resolution analysis of the ossicles in vitamin D receptor deficient mice (Vdr-/- ), which are characterized by hypocalcemia and skeletal mineralization defects, and investigated whether local hypomineralization can be prevented by feeding a calcium-rich rescue diet (Vdr-/- res ). In Vdr-/- mice fed a regular diet (Vdr-/- reg ), quantitative backscattered electron imaging (qBEI) revealed an increased void volume (porosity, p<0.0001) along with lower mean calcium content (CaMean, p=0.0008) and higher heterogeneity of mineralization (CaWidth, p=0.003) compared to WT mice. Furthermore, a higher osteoid volume per bone volume (OV/BV; p=0.0002) and a higher osteocyte lacunar area (Lc.Ar; p=0.01) were found in histomorphometric analysis in Vdr-/- reg mice. In Vdr-/- res mice, full rescue of OV/BV and Lc.Ar (both p>0.05 vs. WT) and partial rescue of porosity and CaWidth (p=0.02 and p=0.04 vs. WT) were observed. Compared with Hyp mice, a model of X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets, Vdr-/- reg mice showed a lower osteoid volume in the ossicles (p=0.0002), but similar values in the lumbar spine. These results are consistent with later postnatal impairment of mineral homeostasis in Vdr-/- mice than in Hyp mice, underscoring the importance of intact mineral homeostasis for ossicle mineralization during development. In conclusion, we revealed a distinct phenotype of hypomineralization in the auditory ossicles of Vdr-/- mice that can be partially prevented by a rescue diet. Since a positive effect of a calcium-rich diet on ossicular mineralization was demonstrated, our results open new treatment strategies for conductive hearing loss. Future studies should investigate the impact of improved ossicular mineralization on hearing function.

Assessment of subclinical magnesium deficiency in pregnant women

Introduction. The question of the ratio of calcium and magnesium in the body in the scientific community is not discussed as often as the role of each of these elements. Experts pay even less attention to the ratio of minerals in the body of pregnant women.Aim. To analyze the content of magnesium and calcium in the blood of pregnant women at different gestation periods and evaluate the ratio of magnesium / calcium in order to establish the calculated coefficient.Materials and methods. 272 pregnant women (age 31.85 ± 5.0 years) at different gestation periods were included in the study. The subjects did not complain, typical for the clinic of magnesium and calcium deficiency. All surveyed gave written consent to the study. A biochemical blood test (determination of the concentration of total calcium, magnesium) was carried out in the laboratory of LLC DNKOM in Moscow. Blood sampling from the cubital vein was carried out according to the standard method in the morning on an empty stomach after 10–12 hours of fasting.Results and discussion. Concentration of total calcium in the serum was (M ± SD) 2.28 ± 0.11 mmol/l, total magnesium – 0.78 ± 0.07 mmol/l, magnesium/calcium ratio – 0.34 ± 0.03. Mean concentrations of calcium and magnesium were significantly lower in women in the II and III trimesters compared with the I trimester (p &lt; 0.001). A decrease in magnesium concentration below the optimal for pregnant women of 0.8 mmol / l was observed in 37.5% of women in the first trimester, in 77.3% and 84.1% in the II and III trimesters, respectively. Serum magnesium concentration less than 0.7 mmol / l, reflecting a profound magnesium deficiency, was detected in the first trimester in 3.6% of women, in the second trimester – in 11.3% of women, in the third trimester – in 15.9% of pregnancies. Hypocalcemia (total calcium concentration less than 2.15 mmol/l) was recorded in 0.9%, 11.3% and 22.3% of pregnant women in the I, II and III trimesters. When calculating the magnesium/calcium ratio, subclinical magnesium deficiency was detected in 96.7% of pregnant women throughout pregnancy. Conclusion. The data obtained indicate the need for pregravid examination and early correction of metabolic disorders.&gt;&lt; 0.001). A decrease in magnesium concentration below the optimal for pregnant women of 0.8 mmol / l was observed in 37.5% of women in the first trimester, in 77.3% and 84.1% in the II and III trimesters, respectively. Serum magnesium concentration less than 0.7 mmol / l, reflecting a profound magnesium deficiency, was detected in the first trimester in 3.6% of women, in the second trimester – in 11.3% of women, in the third trimester – in 15.9% of pregnancies. Hypocalcemia (total calcium concentration less than 2.15 mmol/l) was recorded in 0.9%, 11.3% and 22.3% of pregnant women in the I, II and III trimesters. When calculating the magnesium/calcium ratio, subclinical magnesium deficiency was detected in 96.7% of pregnant women throughout pregnancy.Conclusion. The data obtained indicate the need for pregravid examination and early correction of metabolic disorders

Distribution, prevalence and health risk assessment of fluoride and arsenic in groundwater from lower Gangetic plain in West Bengal, India

Distribution pattern of fluoride and arsenic in groundwater (n = 984) from 35 wards of Rajpur-Sonarpur Municipality and its associated health risk have been evaluated. Presence of fluoride ≥1.5 mg/L (mean = 1.9 mg/L, range: 1.51–2.9 mg/L) and <1.5 mg/L (mean = 0.6 mg/L, range: 0.01–1.49 mg/L), whereas, for arsenic ≥10 μg/L (mean = 56.2 μg/L, range: 10.1–213 μg/L) and <10 μg/L (mean = 3.3 μg/L, range: <3–9.7 μg/L) have been observed in the studied groundwater samples. Simultaneous occurrence of fluoride and arsenic above their permissible limit in drinking water were found from two wards (ward number 6 and 7). About 13% and 16% of the collected groundwater samples (n = 984) have been found beyond the permissible limit of fluoride and arsenic, respectively. Mean concentrations of calcium and iron in groundwater were 31 mg/L (range: 7.3–184 mg/L) and 3.79 mg/L (range: <0.05–50.4 mg/L), respectively. The distribution of both fluoride and arsenic was established with a moderate positive correlation value (r = 0.30) and their relationship is dependent on the interrelationship between Ca and Fe. While the negative correlation between F− and Ca (r = −0.33) designates the increasing F−/Ca ratio in solution. Cluster analysis showed that calcium, iron and the two above contaminants are likely to be highly concentrated in the depth ranges 30.5–60.9 m, 60.9–152 m and 152–305 m. The highest concentration of both the toxicants has been observed in the depth range of 24.4–30.5 m. Weak (fluoride) to strong (arsenic) correlation between water & urine showed exposure of two toxic contaminants. Modelled Average Daily Dose (ADD) and Targeted Hazard Quotient (THQ) of fluoride and arsenic were found maximum for adults followed by teenagers and children. Cancer risk of arsenic was estimated higher than the threshold value among all the age groups.

COMPARISION OF SERUM AND AQUEOUS GLUCOSE AND ELECTROLYTES CONCENTRATION IN VARIOUS STAGES OF CATARACT

Background: Raised serum sodium, low levels of serum calcium and increased serum glucose has been implicated in the development of cataract. Our study compares the aqueous levels of sodium, calcium and glucose among patients with different stages of cataract. Aims and Objective: - To compare the aqueous levels of sodium, calcium and glucose among patients with different stages of cataract – Immature cataract, Mature cataract and Nuclear Cataract. - To compare the serum levels of sodium, calcium and glucose among patients with different stages of cataract – Immature cataract, Mature cataract and Nuclear Cataract. Methods : Patients were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 –Immature cataract, Group 2- Mature Cataract, Group 3- Nuclear Cataract. Serum and Aqueous humour was collected intra-operatively and was sent for biochemical analysis Results: In immature cataracts: -The sodium concentration in aqueous humour was slightly higher than normal ie, 147.8 mEq/L. -The calcium level were also in normal limits was 5.6 mg/dl. -The mean glucose concentration in aqueous humour was 60.4 mg/dl which was higher than the normal limits. In mature cataracts: The mean aqueous concentration of sodium was higher than normal limits. The mean aqueous concentration of calcium levels were also in normal limits. But the glucose level was less than normal. In nuclear cataracts: -The mean aqueous concentration of sodium and calcium was in normal limits. -The glucose level were much higher than normal-86.5 mg/dl. Conclusion: - With respect to aqueous, the level of sodium and glucose were higher than normal in immature cataract and the mean aqueous concentration of calcium was higher in mature cataract. -The mean aqueous levels of sodium calcium and glucose were all raised in nuclear cataract.